Turkey’s delights: Top 5 things to do in Istanbul
Lord of the Rings had it all wrong – Middle Earth isn’t somewhere in New Zealand it’s in Turkey!
Okay so no wizards, mythical creatures or hobbits but smack bang in the centre between Europe, Asia and the Middle East you’ll find Istanbul, and you won’t struggle to find things to add to the bucket list! With weird and wonderful street food everywhere you look and a mosque around every corner, where does one start? Here are five places you can’t miss.
Basillica Cistern
Inside and underground.
While you might be impressed by Istanbul above ground – dig a little deeper and you’ll find yourself underground; at the Basillica Cistern. Quite literally an ancient water tank, you’d be forgiven for thinking of skipping this one – but this place is pure magic. The cistern is a wonderland of stone pillars, fascinating lighting and pools of water. Don’t miss the Medusa head pillars – there’s two of them hidden towards the back!
Galata Bridge
After a few days here, you get the feeling that the sentimental heart of Istanbul lies somewhere along the Galata Bridge. This place is the epicentre of fresh seafood, complete with one level of seafood restaurants (to keep your tourist hunger satisfied) and a top level for transport and hundreds of local fishermen. You’ll be hard pressed finding more authentic fish menus anywhere else, and the sunset view will steal your heart.
Ornate local fishing boats.
Pack an extra memory card – ‘cause you’re about to fill it with postcard perfect pictures of the iconic Turkish sunset complete with pink hued sky and silhouettes of the city’s mosques. You’ll also find plenty of hookahs here too – don’t misunderstand me, we’re talking flavoured tobacco waterpipes; strawberry, melon or apple among other flavours.
Postcard perfect.
Chora Church
Istanbul has stood the test of time, a historic place to take on all others. Whether under the guise of Constantinople or the modern day Istanbul, you won’t find a place that’s been at the heart of so many empires.
Take the metro to the Chora Church and you’ll see exactly what I mean. This church has been a part of it all; originally a small chapel, rebuilt into the Chora Chruch with ornate Byzantine paintings and mosaics, converted into an Islamic mosque, and now a museum telling a story over a thousand years long. Prepare to be mesmerised by different layers of religion that plaster the ceilings and walls.
Byzantine mosaic, Chora Church.
This place is off the tourist track but that makes it even more worthwhile; plus you can grab yourself an authentic 16th Century Ottoman meal (the recipe might be old but the ingredients are fresh!)
Grand Bazaar
True to the city’s trading route heritage, the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market is where you’ll uncover artisan wares, traditional crafts and just a couple of hundred hidden treasures. 😉 Whether you’re in the mood to shop for Turkish rugs, glass lanterns, mounds of authentic spices or some famous Turkish delight, you are in for an assault of the senses. Come on an empty stomach and you’ll be leaving with bags full of Turkish goodies.
So much to see, smell and buy!
If you get lost in this maze (which you will!), keep your eyes peeled for bargains and haggle away; just make sure you leave enough room in your suitcase – and if you haven’t, you could probably find another here anyway!
Sultanahmet Mosque
Of course you can’t skip the biggest and best mosque in Turkey, The Sultanahmet Mosque or Blue Mosque is the grandest mosque in all of Istanbul, and the place where thousands of worshippers flock every day. That also means shoes off, headscarfs for the ladies and check your prayer times – this is no place to be a floundering tourist when the prayer call sounds.
Interior, Sultanahmet Mosque.
What you get in return is one of the most impressive architectural interiors you will ever see. And while you can’t afford to miss this showstopper from the inside, this isn’t the only impressive view in town.
Istanbul has made a claim on rooftop restaurants, and Sultanahmet Mosque at dusk with cocktail in hand is well worth the five flights of stairs. There are a few that offer prime-time views that can’t be beat; try the Seven Hills Istanbul Restaurant just a block away and opt for any one of the seafood dishes. Big hint: plan ahead – a sunset dinner is not a spur of the moment idea, the best tables book out three days in advance.
Sultanahmet Mosque at dusk.
Of course, that’s just the icing on the Turkish delight that is Istanbul.
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